Towards modern standards of care in psychiatry

11th International Conference of the SAARC Psychiatric Federation 16th Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists Colombo - Sri Lanka

Welcome to 11th Conference of the SAARC Psychiatric Federation and 16th Annual Academic Sessions of Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists

Message from President, SAARC Psychiatric Federation

The SAARC countries are a group of eight countries which share the filial bonds of shared history and heritage and form nearly a quarter of the population of the world. The SAARC Psychiatric Federation was formed out of the need for a common platform to give voice to the mental health needs of the people and to explore ways and means for their full realisation.

I am extremely happy to note that the 11th SAARC Psychiatric Conference is being held at the historic city of Colombo the capital city of the famed island of gems – Sri Lanka. I congratulate the president and all the members of the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists for coming forward to take the huge responsibility of organising the conference from 24 to 26 May 2019.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome all members of the countries of the region and others across the world to attend the conference in large numbers to share their experience and expertise and make the conference a grand success.

We take great pleasure in hosting the 11th International Conference of the SAARC Psychiatric Federation (SPF) in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 24-26 May 2019. We wish to extend our warmest invitation to all our colleagues globally to participate and enrich this great event

As always, we look forward to a rich exchange of knowledge and ideas in this international conference. The scientific committee has brought together a glittering array of renowned speakers who will speak on cutting edge psychiatry relevant to the SAARC region and the world in keeping with the theme of the conference: ‘Towards modern standards of care in Psychiatry’.

Sri Lanka has taken the number one position as one of the must visit destinations in the world for 2019 in terms of international travel experts, magazines and blogs. Hence, it is an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy the wonders of Sri Lanka at least briefly, while savouring the academic delights the conference will be offering.

So, don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Looking forward to welcoming you.

Sincerely,

Prof. Shehan Williams ( MBBS, MPhil, MD, FSLCPsych, FRCPsych)

Message from General Secretary, SAARC Psychiatric Federation

It is indeed a matter of pride that the city of Colombo is going to host the 11thSAARC Psychiatric Federation International Conference (SPFCON) with the theme: “Towards Modern Standards of Care in Psychiatry” in May 2019.

Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, Colombo has already organized successfully the 3rd and 6th SPFCON in 2007 and 2012 respectively. We are sure and confident this event will set a milestone in the history of SPF.

We all are abreast to the fact that psychiatry has been developing exponentially in research and management. So the theme is apt to the recent progress in mental health.

On behalf of SAARC Psychiatry Federation (SPF) I would wish this conference to be a grand success. Let’s all come together to make this an event that will echo in our memories for the years to come.